Hasaranga, Theekshana turn Colombo into Irish nightmare, get SL off to winning start
India Today
Sri Lanka spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana spun a web around Ireland as they guided the hosts to a 20-run victory in their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo.
Sri Lankan spinners stamped their authority over Ireland in their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 8, guiding the hosts to a 20-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25) and Maheesh Theekshana (3/23) made full use of the favourable conditions to help Sri Lanka begin their campaign with an emphatic win.
Chasing a target of 164, Ireland were firmly in control of the pursuit, with Harry Tector (40 off 34) and Lorcan Tucker (21 off 18) adding 49 runs for the third wicket off just 38 deliveries. The Irish required 60 runs from the final six overs and backed themselves to complete the chase, with two well-set batters at the crease.
However, Dunith Wellalage broke the momentum by dismissing Tucker, who was caught at long-on. Tector followed in the very next over, holing out to deep mid-wicket against Hasaranga, leaving Ireland in deep trouble. There was no recovery thereafter, as Hasaranga and Theekshana spun a web around the batters, skittling Ireland for 143 in 19.4 overs.
The duo varied their pace remarkably, beating Ireland batters in flight, who found it tough to decipher their variations. Hasaranga and Theekshana's remarkable show has put the rest of the teams on notice as the Lankan lions will use their strength to the full in home conditions, promising a victory run in the campaign ahead.
A quick change of pace and Maheesh Theekshana gets the better of Paul Striling! Will Sri Lanka defend the total?ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #SLvIRE | LIVE NOW https://t.co/AaKfib9jeV pic.twitter.com/2MPsgGkL97— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 8, 2026
T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka vs Ireland Highlights
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